Gorge Rd in line for makeover

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Hi-tech plans to regenerate Gorge Rd in Queenstown have been unveiled marking the start of a major transformation to turn the industrial area into an urban hub.

Landscape and urban design architects Baxter Design Group and Christchurch-based Nott Architects have teamed up with realtor and development manager Buzz Scown, of Ray White Queenstown, to launch the ''Silo'' project.

Concept plans were presented to Queenstown Lakes District Council urban design panel for review in December last year.

The site opposite Wakatipu High School and home to the Carters building will be vacated and demolished in June.

Plans include a double storey road frontage building with three storeys to the rear of the site, as well as extensive parking.

Mr Scown is liaising with a number of potential tenants.

''Silo will invigorate and energise the area and become the cool, quirky and on-trend place to work and visit. We're bringing inner-city urban to Queenstown with an industrial edge. There's nothing like this in the area,'' he said.

There is already interest from a number of parties including a café, delicatessen, food store, bakery, graphic designers, architects and an art gallery.

Architect Charlie Nott said inspiration had come from overseas.

''Silo is a unique proposition that perfectly marries modern hi-tech construction with industrial design that stays true to the area's heritage.''

Baxter Design Group director Paddy Baxter said Silo was functional with an industrial and quirky feel.

''Silo has a crisp design and will be an eclectic development which is people-friendly.''

Recycled materials will be used in the buildings to create an urban industrial look and feel.All going to plan and subject to consent, work will start in June and is expected to take a year.